Translated English of Chinese Standard: GB/T8685-2008 www.chinesestandard.net Sales@ChineseStandard.net GB NATIONAL STANDARD OF THE PEOPLE S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ICS 59.080.01 W 04 GB/T 8685-2008 Replacing GB/T 8685-1988 Textiles - Care Labelling Code Using Symbols 纺织品维护标签规范符号法 (ISO 3758:2005, MOD) Issued on: June 18, 2008 Implemented on: March 1, 2009 Issued by: General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ); Standardization Administration (SAC) of the People's Republic of China. www.chinesestandard.net Page 1 of 27
Table of Contents Foreword... 3 Introduction... 5 1 Scope... 6 2 Terms and Definitions... 6 3 Symbols... 9 4 Application and Use of Symbols... 15 Appendix A (Informative) Characteristics and Available Test Methods for the Correct Selection of Care Symbols... 17 Appendix B (Informative) Regional and National Practices in Care Labelling... 22 Appendix C (Informative) Examples of Additional Wording... 25 Bibliography... 26 www.chinesestandard.net Page 2 of 27
Foreword This Standard modifies and adopts ISO 3758:2005 "Textiles-Care Labelling Code Using Symbols"; and it also makes reference to the contents of the latest draft revision in 2008 of ISO 3758:2005. This Standard was redrafted in accordance with ISO 3758:2005. The differences from ISO 3758:2005 are as follows: 1. The definition of textile products was modified to be consistent with the definition stated in relevant standard. 2. The tumble drying and natural drying are the specific drying methods and should not be used as basic symbols; the clauses on tumble drying and natural drying in 3.1.3.1 and 3.1.3.2 of ISO 3758:2005 were deleted in accordance with the draft revision of ISO. 3. In accordance with the draft revision of ISO, the symbol for mild washing at 95 C in Table 1 was deleted. 4. In accordance with the draft revision of ISO, the natural drying symbol for drip flat drying was added, and the symbols for natural drying were modified. 5. Appendix A and the ISO standards given in the Bibliography were replaced by the corresponding national standards, while the ISO standards were still directly quoted in case of no corresponding national standard. 6. In accordance with the draft revision of ISO, the contents of Appendix C were adjusted into the normative provisions and were included in the corresponding 2.4 and 3.4. Appendix C was deleted. 7. The serial number of Appendix D was changed to Appendix C accordingly; the contents on natural drying in the "Examples of Additional Wording" were deleted. This Standard replaces GB/T 8685-1988 "Care Labelling Code of Textiles and Apparel". The main changes in contents are as follows: 1. The standard name was changed into "Textiles-Care Labelling Code Using Symbols". 2. The scope was changed from "is applicable to various textiles and garments" to "is applicable to all the textile products in the form in which they are supplied to the end user". 3. The chapter "Normative References" was deleted. www.chinesestandard.net Page 3 of 27
4. The relevant terms and definitions were added. 5. The meanings of two basic symbols (triangle and circle) were modified; the transverse line in washtub was changed to wavy line; and the meanings and representation of the four additional symbols were defined. 6. Among the symbols for washings, the mild process at 95 C was deleted, and the very mild processes at 40 C and 30 C were added; the symbol "do not wring out" was deleted and was included in Appendix C in form of description in words. 7. For symbols for bleaching, the oxygen/non-chlorine bleach was added. 8. For symbols for ironing and pressing, the representation by adding the high, middle, low Chinese characters was deleted; and the symbols for ironing and pressing with press sheet and for steam ironing were deleted. 9. The specific symbols for dry cleaning and wet cleaning were added; in relation to symbol for tumble drying, the representation of temperature by dots was added. 10. The symbols for shape of clothes in the natural drying were deleted, and the square symbol was modified. 11. The arrangement sequence of the care symbols was changed FROM washing, chlorine bleach, ironing and pressing, dry cleaning, washing and drying TO washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and pressing, and professional textile care. 12. Provisions on the colour of symbols were deleted. 13. Appendix A and Appendix B were added. Please pay attention to that the patents relating to care labelling may be involved during the implementation process of this Standard. Appendixes A, B and C of this Standard are informative. This Standard was proposed by China National Textile and Apparel Council. This Standard shall be under the jurisdiction of the Basic Branch of Technical Committee on Textiles of Standardization Administration of China (SAC/TC 209/SC 1). Chief drafting organizations of this Standard: Standardization Institute of Textile Industry AND China (Beijing) Textile Testing & Certification Services Co,. Ltd. Chief drafting staffs of this Standard: Zheng Yuying, Xu Lu and Si Ying. The previous edition replaced by this Standard is as follows: - GB/T 8685-1988. www.chinesestandard.net Page 4 of 27
Textiles - Care Labelling Code Using Symbols 1 Scope This Standard establishes a system of symbols, intended for use in the label of textile products, providing information on the most violent care procedures that will not cause any irreversible damage to the product; it specifies the methods of use of these symbols in the care labelling. This Standard includes the domestic care methods, like washing, bleaching, drying and ironing and pressing, and also includes the professional textile care methods, like dry cleaning and wet cleaning, but excluding the industrial laundering. The information imparted by the four kinds of symbols of domestic care methods may also be of assistance to the professional cleaner and launderer. This Standard is applicable to all the textile products in the form in which they are supplied to the end user. 2 Terms and Definitions For the purposes of this Standard, the following terms and definitions apply. 2.1 Textile products It refers to the products with natural fibre and chemical fibre as principal raw materials, and being spined, weaved, dyed and other processing techniques or then sewed, composed, such as yarns, textiles and their finished products. 2.2 Washing It refers the process designed to clean textile products in an aqueous bath. Note: Washing includes all or some of the following operations in relevant combinations: - Soaking, pre-washing and normal washing (carried out usually with heating, mechanical action and in the presence of detergents or other products) and rinsing. - Water extraction, i.e. spinning or wringing performed during and/or at the end of the operations mentioned above. These operations may be carried out by machine or by hand. www.chinesestandard.net Page 6 of 27
2.3 Bleaching It refers the process carried out in an aqueous medium before, during, or after washing, requiring the use of an oxidizing agent including either chlorine or oxygen/non-chlorine products, for the purpose of improving soil and stain removal and/or improving whiteness. 2.3.1 Chlorine bleach It refers to the agent that releases hypochlorite ions in solution, e.g. sodium hypochlorite. 2.3.2 Oxygen/non-chlorine bleach It refers to the agent that releases a hyperoxides in solution. Note: Oxygen bleach products encompass a wide range of activity, including different activated and non-activated bleaching species which vary in their activity. The bleach activator is the agent that allows bleaching to occur at relatively lower wash temperatures. 2.4 Drying It refers to the process carried out on textile products after washing to remove the residual moisture. 2.4.1 Natural drying It refers to the process carried out on a textile product after washing, with the intention of removing residual moisture by line drying, drip line drying, flat drying or drip flat drying in the sun or in the shade. 2.4.1.1 Line drying It refers to the process carried out on a textile product after washing and water extraction, with the intention of removing residual moisture by hanging the textile product vertically on rope (rod) or coat hanger. www.chinesestandard.net Page 7 of 27
4.2 Characteristics and test methods for the selection of appropriate symbols The relevant characteristics and the test methods are given in Appendix A. 4.3 Use of symbols The symbols shall be arranged in the order washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and pressing and professional textile care. Adequate and appropriate symbols shall be used so as to protect the products and not cause any irreversible damages. The treatment processes represented by the symbols apply to the whole of the textile product, except for the one with special explanation. www.chinesestandard.net Page 16 of 27
Appendix A (Informative) Characteristics and Available Test Methods for the Correct Selection of Care Symbols A.1 Definitions A.1.1 Characteristics It refers to the characteristics that are important for the usability of textile articles and which may be influenced in a negative way by care treatments. It is recommended that information on the performance of textile articles and their components with respect to washing treatments be obtained before selecting care labels. A.1.2 Test methods A.1.2.1 Laboratory methods Test methods using laboratory devices which simulate procedures in practice. A.1.2.2 Machine (full-scale) methods Test methods applying standardized procedures similar to those used in practice. A.1.2.3 Sensory assessment Evaluation method which uses human senses only. A.2 Characteristics A.2.1 Characteristics tested by laboratory methods - Colour fastness: The general principles of testing are laid down in GB/T 6151. The scales for assessing the change in colour and staining are specified in GB 250 and GB 251, respectively. A.2.2 Characteristics tested by full-scale methods - Performance when washing, tumble drying and dry cleaning: The relevant attributes may be determined by standardized test methods or sensory assessment. www.chinesestandard.net Page 17 of 27
The relevant characteristics are listed in Table A.1, column 1. A.3 Test methods A summary overview of the respective test methods is given in Table A.1. Details of the laboratory and machine methods are given in the Tables A.2 to A.6 for the standardized care symbols. Other characteristics may be taken into account according to the materials, structure and application of the articles. Table A.1 Characteristics and Test Methods Characteristics Test method Assessment method Colour fastness (see Tables A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5) Laboratory methods GB 250, GB 251 Dimensional change GB/T 8628, GB/T 8630 Appearance of seams GB/T 13771 or GB/T 19980 Retention of permanent creases GB/T 13770 or GB/T 19980 Creasing of durable press articles GB/T 13769 or GB/T 19980 Surface GB/T 13796.4, GB/T 19980 Full-scale methods: GB/T 4802.2, GB/T Pilling and fuzzing Washing, tumble drying: GB/T 8629 4802.3 Dry cleaning: GB/T 19981.2, ISO Flock loss FT/T 64011 3175-3 and ISO 3175-4 Fuzziness of velvets and synthetic - furs Hardening of coated fabrics - Delamination of coated and laminated fabrics - Separation of fusible interlining - Hand modifications - Unravelling, fraying of seams GB/T 13772-1, GB/T 13772-2, GB/T 13772-3 Note: The performance of the sample shall be evaluated according to the corresponding methods stated in column 3 after testing by laboratory or machine methods stated in column 2. www.chinesestandard.net Page 18 of 27
Appendix C (Informative) Examples of Additional Wording C.1 Definition Additional wording is additional care information that may accompany the symbolized care instructions and is necessary for the refurbishment of textile articles without harm to the product or others being cleaned with it, allowing ordinary use and enjoyment of the textile item. C.2 Examples of additional wording Additional wording commonly used is listed in Table C.1. The use of other additional words may be necessary when any part of the prescribed regular care procedure, which the consumer or professional cleaner may reasonably be expected to use, would harm the product or others being cleaned with it. The number of additional words in the label should be kept to a minimum. Table C.1 Examples of Additional Wording - remove... before washing - Professional leather clean only - wash separately - no optical brighteners - wash with like colours - use wash net - wash before use - do not steam iron - wash inside out - steam only - do not wring or twist - do not soak - damp wipe only - steam iron recommended - remove promptly (from the machine) after drying - dry away from direct heat - do not add fabric conditioner - reshape whilst damp - iron reverse side only - reshape and dry flat - do not iron decoration - hand wash, maximum 30 C www.chinesestandard.net Page 25 of 27
Bibliography [1] GB 250 Gray Scale for Assessing Change in Colour [2] GB 251 Gray Scale for Assessing Staining [3] GB/T 3920 Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Rubbing [4] GB/T 4802.2 Determination of Fabric Propensity to Surface Fuzzing and to Pilling - Part 2: Modified Martindale Method [5] GB/T 4802.3 Determination of Fabric Propensity to Surface Fuzzing and to Pilling - Part 3: Pilling Box Method [6] GB/T 5711 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Dry Cleaning [7] GB/T 5712 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Rubbing-Organic Solvents [8] GB/T 5713 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Water [9] GB/T 6151 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - General Principle of Testing [10] GB/T 6152 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Hot Pressing [11] GB/T 7069 Testing Method for Colour Fastness to Bleaching: Hypochlorite [12] GB/T 8628 Textiles - Preparation, Marking and Measuring of Fabric Specimens and Garments in Tests for Determination of Dimensional Change [13] GB/T 8629 Textiles-Domestic Washing and Drying Procedures for Textile Testing [14] GB/T 8630 Textiles - Determination of Dimensional Change in Washing and Drying [15] GB/T 12490 Tests for Colour Fastness - Colour Fastness to Domestic and Commercial Laundering [16] GB/T 13769 Method for Assessing the Appearance of Durable Press Fabrics after Domestic Washing and Drying [17] GB/T 13770 Method for Assessing the Appearance of Creases in Durable Press Products after Domestic Washing and Drying [18] GB/T 13771 Methods for Assessing the Appearance of Seams in Durable www.chinesestandard.net Page 26 of 27
Press Products after Domestic Washing and Drying [19] GB/T 13772.1 Determination of the Slippage Resistance of Yarns at a Seam in Woven Fabrics - Part 1: Fixed Seam Opening Method [20] GB/T 13772.2 Determination of the Slippage Resistance of Yarns at a Seam in Woven Fabrics - Part 2: Fixed Load Method [21] GB/T 13772.3 Determination of the Slippage Resistance of Yarns at a Seam in Woven Fabrics - Part 3: Needle Clamp Method [22] GB/T 19980-2005 Method for Assessing Appearance of Apparel and Other Textile End Products after Domestic Washing and Drying [23] GB/T 19981.1 Textiles - Professional Care, Dry Cleaning and Wet Cleaning of Fabrics and Garments - Part 1: Assessment of Performance after Dry Cleaning and Finishing [24] GB/T 19981.2 Textiles - Professional Care, Dry Cleaning and Wet Cleaning of Fabrics and Garments Part 2: Procedure for Testing Performance when Dry Cleaning and Finishing Using Tetrachloroethene [25] GB/T 21196.4 Determination of the Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics by the Martindale Method - Part 4: Assessment of Appearance Change [26] FZ/T 64011-2001 Static Flocking Fabrics [27] ISO 105-C08 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part C08: Colour Fastness to Domestic and Commercial Laundering Using a Non-phosphate Reference Detergent Incorporating a Low Temperature Bleach Activator [28] ISO 105-C09 Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part C09: Colour Fastness to Domestic and Commercial Laundering - Oxidative Bleach Response Using a Non-Phosphate Reference Detergent Incorporating a Low Temperature Bleach Activator [29] ISO 3175-3 Textiles - Professional Care, Dry Cleaning and Wet Cleaning of Fabrics and Garments - Part 3: Procedure for Testing Performance when Cleaning and Finishing Using Hydrocarbon Solvents [30] ISO 3175-4 Textiles - Professional Care, Dry Cleaning and Wet Cleaning of Fabrics and Garments - Part 4: Procedure for Testing Performance when Cleaning and Finishing Using Simulated Wet Cleaning END www.chinesestandard.net Page 27 of 27